[Treatment of chronic subacromial pain syndrome using a sling]

The subacromial impingement syndrome is a condition which affects the quality of daily living as well as working capacity. It has been claimed that this condition can be treated by exercising the shoulder with the arm suspended in a sling. We have treated 32 patients with this method. The results were evaluated with regard to relief of pain and return to previous work. After a follow-up of from six to 20 months, only two of the patients experienced so much relief of pain that they could return to work. We conclude that sling treatment is not the way to deal with this condition.